The young Agniveers were awarded medals for their outstanding performance during the training
A total of 194 Agniveers were inducted into the Ladakh Scouts regiment at a passing out parade in Leh on Thursday.
The young Agniveers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, undertook rigorous training and are now ready to serve the country, officials said.
“A passing out parade was held at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre in Leh today to mark the entry of 194 well-trained Agniveer recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment as Agniveer soldiers,” a defence spokesperson said.
He said the ceremony, conducted in consonance with the highest traditions of the Army, was reviewed by General Officer Commanding (GoC) Uniform Force, Major General Gurpal Singh.
Military and civil dignitaries, along with the parents of the Agniveers, attended the event.
The GoC exhorted the young soldiers to continue striving for excellence in all spheres and to take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the Nation against all odds, in the true spirit signified by the ethos of the Army.
He also congratulated the proud parents who had motivated their wards to join the regiment, and complimented the Ladakh Scouts personnel for their performance in all spheres and their exceptional valour and contributions.
The young Agniveers were awarded medals for their outstanding performance during the training, the spokesperson said.
A Gaurav Padak was presented to the parents who are either serving or have served in the Army and whose wards joined the regiment as Agniveers.
India has made significant strides in indigenous defence technology, particularly following the recent India-Pakistan conflict and the effectiveness of its indigenous weaponry during Operation Sindoor.
In response to Pakistan’s deployment of Chinese-supplied SH-15 Howitzers, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled a new generation of advanced artillery munitions and systems, marking a major leap in India’s military capabilities and self-reliance.
DRDO’s New Lethal Weapon: 155mm Ramjet Artillery Projectile
According to a Janes report, the latest breakthrough is the development and display of a 155mm ramjet-powered artillery projectile, specifically designed for the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a 155mm/52 calibre gun jointly developed by DRDO and Indian industry partners such as Bharat Forge Limited, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, and TATA Advanced Systems Limited.
This new ramjet projectile leverages missile-like propulsion to dramatically extend the range of conventional artillery shells, potentially reaching targets up to 80 km away—far beyond the current 45 km range of standard ATAGS shells. The ramjet works by drawing in atmospheric oxygen during flight, sustaining combustion and boosting velocity and range, thus offering a technological edge over traditional artillery munitions.
In addition to the ramjet projectile, DRDO and private sector partners like Reliance Infrastructure have developed four types of next-generation 155mm artillery ammunition, all based on indigenous technology. These developments are part of the broader ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign imports and bolster India’s defence exports.
Strategic Impact And Future Prospects
The ATAGS system itself is a state-of-the-art artillery platform, capable of firing six rounds in 30 seconds, with a 25-litre chamber volume (surpassing many global counterparts), and is slated for large-scale induction into the Indian Army, with 307 units expected to be procured by March 2025. The new ammunition and gun systems are expected to save billions in import costs and position India as a major exporter of advanced artillery technology.
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has expressed confidence that the war-tested status of indigenous equipment, especially after Operation Sindoor, will drive a surge in defence exports. He also highlighted the recent government approval for the ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project (AMCA), with the first prototype flight targeted for 2029 and production from 2035 onward.
BrahMos Missile Upgrades
Parallel to artillery advancements, India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has gained global attention, particularly after its successful deployment against Pakistani and Chinese air defences during recent conflicts.
The BrahMos is being further enhanced, with integration planned for India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jets and the development of lighter, next-generation variants (BrahMos-NG) for broader platform compatibility and export. These upgrades reinforce India’s deterrence posture and further support its emergence as a leading defence exporter.
India’s latest indigenous weapon developments—especially the 155mm ramjet artillery projectile and advanced ATAGS system—represent a giant leap in the country’s defence capabilities. These innovations not only counter evolving threats from Pakistan and China but also advance India’s strategic autonomy and export potential, aligning with national initiatives for self-reliance and technological leadership in defence.
Agencies
2nd phase of anti-ballistic missile defence test with AD-1 missile on a Mobile Launcher System
Air defence systems have become indispensable in the 21st century, serving as silent sentinels that protect nations from an evolving array of aerial threats. From drones and cruise missiles to hypersonic weapons and advanced aircraft, the sky is now a contested and dynamic domain.
The rapid escalation of global security concerns, driven by regional conflicts and the proliferation of advanced weaponry, has prompted countries to invest heavily in multi-layered, technologically advanced air defence networks.
The world’s most sophisticated air defence systems as of 2025 are defined by their range, altitude, interceptor speed, and versatility against diverse threats. Their effectiveness is measured by combat performance, technological innovation, and global deployment.
During the four-day border conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, India’s integrated air defence grid—combining imported platforms like the S-400 Triumf and SPYDER with indigenous systems such as Akash and advanced radar networks—proved highly effective. Indian air defence units neutralised nearly 800–900 Pakistani drones and successfully intercepted missiles and other aerial threats, protecting critical military and civilian infrastructure, including high-value targets like the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Russia’s S-400 Triumf: With a range of up to 400 km, the S-400 can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, tracking up to 80 targets simultaneously. Its mobility, integration, and combat record—such as India’s use during recent skirmishes with Pakistan—make it a global benchmark. Users include Russia, China, India, and Turkey.
US Patriot PAC-3 MSE: Renowned for its hit-to-kill technology, the Patriot system has a range of up to 160 km for aircraft and 35 km for ballistic missiles. It is combat-proven in the Gulf Wars and Ukraine, and widely deployed by the USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence): Designed for high-altitude interception of short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, THAAD operates at ranges up to 200 km and integrates seamlessly with Aegis and Patriot systems.
US Aegis Combat System With SM-3/SM-6 Missiles: With a reach of up to 2,500 km, Aegis can intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in mid-course and is a core part of NATO’s missile shield.
Israel’s Iron Dome: Specialised for short-range threats (4–70 km), the Iron Dome boasts a success rate of around 90% against rockets, artillery, mortars, and drones. It is operational in Israel and has been tested by India and Azerbaijan.
Why Air Defence Systems Matter
Air defence systems are not just defensive assets; they are strategic deterrents. By protecting cities, military installations, and critical infrastructure, these systems discourage enemy aggression and enable a nation’s air force to operate with greater freedom. The rise of drones, hypersonic missiles, and precision-guided munitions has made advanced, responsive air defence indispensable.
The core components of these systems include:
Detection: Radars and sensors identify and track incoming threats.
Command And Control: Decision-making hubs process data and coordinate responses.
Interceptors: Surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns neutralize threats before they reach their targets.
India’s Air Defence: A Multi-Layered Shield
India has emerged as a global leader in air defence, building a multi-layered network that integrates indigenous innovation, international collaboration, and strategic imports. Its arsenal is among the top five globally in terms of volume, diversity, and technological sophistication.
Key Systems In India’s Arsenal
S-400 Triumf: India’s acquisition of five S-400 regiments from Russia (three deployed as of 2025, two more by 2026) has significantly bolstered its strategic deterrence, especially against Pakistan and China. The system is deployed to protect critical regions like Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and the Northeast.
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program: India’s multi-layered air defence network has demonstrated combat performance that matches or surpasses some of the most advanced global systems, particularly in recent real-world engagements. The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program is a critical initiative aimed at protecting nations from the growing threat of ballistic missile attacks, particularly those carrying nuclear warheads. Ballistic missiles, which follow a high-arching trajectory and are powered only during their initial phase, pose a significant risk due to their speed, range, and destructive potential. In response, several countries have developed sophisticated BMD systems to detect, track, and neutralize these threats before they reach their intended targets.
The primary objective of a BMD program is to safeguard a country’s population, territory, and strategic assets from incoming ballistic missiles. This is achieved through the deployment of multi-layered defence systems capable of intercepting missiles at various stages of their flight. The rationale for such programs has been driven by the proliferation of missile technology and the nuclearization of regions, as seen in South Asia, where India initiated its BMD program in 2000 following the Kargil War and in response to missile threats from neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China.
Developed by DRDO, India’s BMD features a two-layered shield:
Phase I (PAD/AAD): Exo- and endo-atmospheric interceptors for ballistic missiles.
Phase II (AD-1/AD-2): Designed to intercept intermediate- and intercontinental-range missiles (5,000+ km). Delhi is the first city to be protected by this system.
MR-SAM/Barak-8: Jointly developed with Israel, this system covers ranges of 70–100+ km, features active radar homing, and is deployed by the Army and Navy.
Akash & Akash-NG: Indigenous medium-range systems effective against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with the latest variant offering improved range and electronic countermeasure resistance.
QRSAM: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, mobile and truck-mounted, with a 30 km range, designed to protect moving army columns. It is set to replace older Soviet-era systems.
VSHORADS: Very Short Range Air Defence, man-portable missiles for frontline troops, with new DRDO-developed versions entering service in 2024–25.
SPYDER: Israeli point-defence system (15–20 km range) used to protect airfields and critical assets.
Upcoming Systems
XRSAM: Under development, with a planned 250 km range to bridge the gap between MR-SAM and S-400, expected late 2020s.
Project Kusha: An indigenous long-range SAM system to counter threats up to Mach 7, featuring interceptors with ranges of 150, 250, and 350 km. Deployment is anticipated by 2028–2029.
Integrated Air Command And Control System (IACCS): A nationwide network linking military and civilian radars for real-time tracking and interception, ensuring coordinated defence across India’s vast airspace.
The Road Ahead
India’s air defence architecture is a blend of imported platforms, indigenous innovation, and joint development. The focus is on building a layered, responsive, and technologically advanced shield capable of countering everything from drones to hypersonic missiles. With ongoing projects like XRSAM and Project Kusha, and continued upgrades to existing systems, India is set to further strengthen its position as a global air defence power.
India’s strategic focus on indigenous technology has significantly improved its overall air defence resilience by ensuring greater self-reliance, operational autonomy, and adaptability in the face of evolving threats. By prioritising indigenous development of critical systems—ranging from missile platforms like Akash and BrahMos to advanced electronic warfare and radar technologies—India has reduced its dependency on foreign suppliers, thereby insulating its defence preparedness from international sanctions, supply chain disruptions, or shifting geopolitical alliances.
This indigenisation drive, underpinned by initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, enables India to swiftly upgrade and modernise its air defence systems in response to new challenges, such as stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic missiles. Indigenous innovation also allows for seamless integration of multi-layered defences, including satellites for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, where Indian satellites provided critical battlefield awareness and targeting data.
Conclusion
The reinvention of air defence systems worldwide reflects the changing face of warfare. As aerial threats become more sophisticated and unpredictable, nations like India are not only keeping pace but setting benchmarks in multi-layered, integrated air defence. The “guardians of the sky” are now more critical than ever, ensuring security, deterrence, and operational freedom in an increasingly contested airspace.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
Pakistan is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire China’s HQ-19 ballistic missile defence system alongside 40 J-35A stealth fighters, marking a strategic shift to counter India’s growing missile capabilities following recent hostilities.
This move comes after a four-day conflict in May 2025, where India conducted precision airstrikes using cruise missiles like BrahMos against Pakistani targets, exposing gaps in Islamabad’s air defences.
The HQ-19, unveiled in November 2024, is a road-mobile system developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It features:
A 3,000 km interception range for ballistic and cruise missiles, including India’s Agni series and BrahMos.
Hit-to-kill technology for kinetic impact without explosives, similar to the U.S. THAAD system.
A Type 610A radar with 4,000 km detection range, enabling exo-atmospheric interception at 70–150 km altitudes.
An 8×8 wheeled launcher carrying six missiles, integrated with command-and-control infrastructure.
Pakistan’s existing air defences, including HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, struggled to counter Indian strikes during the May conflict, with think tanks like the Stimson Center noting “serious vulnerabilities”. The HQ-19 would complement planned J-35A stealth fighters (slated for 2026 delivery) to create a multi-layered defense. Analysts describe the HQ-19 as a “Chinese THAAD,” offering protection against India’s Agni-V MIRV-capable missiles and supersonic threats.
Derived from China’s HQ-9 (a copy of Russia’s S-300), the HQ-19 began development in the 1990s and underwent its first trial in 2021. Its procurement signals deepening China-Pakistan defence ties, with Islamabad already operating HQ-9B and LY-80 systems. The move could escalate regional arms dynamics, as India fields S-400 systems and advanced missile technologies.
While the HQ-19 enhances Pakistan’s strategic deterrence, experts caution that integration and training may pose challenges. The system is expected to begin deployment alongside J-35A fighters in early 2026, pending final negotiations.
Agencies
Facing increasing global isolation over its handling of terrorism, Pakistan is making a renewed diplomatic push to seek the involvement of former US President Donald Trump in facilitating peace talks with India.
At an event hosted by the US Embassy in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly praised Trump for his previous role in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and urged Washington to play a more active role in encouraging a comprehensive dialogue.
Sharif’s remarks closely echoed those of former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who asserted that Trump deserved credit for helping facilitate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, claiming that Trump had taken credit for this achievement on at least ten occasions.
Bhutto argued that if the US was willing to help maintain the ceasefire, it was reasonable to expect that American involvement in arranging a broader dialogue would also be beneficial for Pakistan. Sharif further emphasized the so-called “Trump factor,” describing Trump as a peacemaker and expressing confidence that he would not let the opportunity for peace go to waste.
This diplomatic outreach comes at a time when Pakistan is under significant international scrutiny for its record on terrorism. Islamabad’s attempt to reposition itself on the global stage is seen as an effort to garner international support for resuming talks with New Delhi. Sharif also pointed to Pakistan’s willingness to allow international investigations into recent terror incidents, claiming this openness had “won international confidence”.
However, India’s response has been unequivocal. New Delhi has consistently rejected any third-party mediation or facilitation in its bilateral issues with Pakistan, including the US, and has maintained that talks can only proceed if Pakistan ends its support for terrorism and returns occupied parts of Kashmir.
This policy remains unchanged across successive Indian governments. Indian leaders have also publicly denied that Trump or any external party played a role in the ceasefire agreement, reiterating that dialogue must be bilateral and contingent on Pakistan’s actions against terrorism.
Indian political figures have been vocal in their criticism of Pakistan’s claims. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation to the US, stated that India would not engage in talks “with a gun pointed at our head,” using a vivid analogy to underscore India’s stance that meaningful dialogue cannot occur while terrorism persists.
Tharoor and other Indian delegates also challenged Pakistan’s narrative of being an equal victim of terrorism, highlighting the country’s long history of supporting militant groups that have destabilized the region.
US lawmakers have largely supported India’s position, with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast endorsing India’s measured response to recent attacks and expressing optimism about the continued growth of the US-India partnership.
While Pakistan is making a concerted effort to involve the US—specifically Donald Trump—in facilitating renewed dialogue with India, New Delhi remains steadfast in its refusal to accept third-party mediation and insists that any progress depends on concrete action by Pakistan to end terrorism. The diplomatic divide on this issue remains as wide as ever, with both sides sticking to their established positions.
Based On ANI Report
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described Operation Sindoor as a milestone in India’s journey towards ‘atma nirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence and said besides being tactically brilliant, the exercise mirrored seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national military operations.
The PM spoke of how Operation Sindoor stood out as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, with the Indian military launching and destroying nine terror hubs in Pakistan in just 23 minutes.
Noting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s recent admission of how Brahmos hit air bases deep inside Pakistan, PM said Indian systems bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s Chinese supplied air defences.
The PM said Operation Sindoor had validated India’s defence indigenisation policies and proven that India can not only defend its people and territory, but also assert its role as a hi-tech military power in the 21st century.
At the council of ministers’ meeting, a first after Operation Sindoor, a presentation was made on Operation Sindoor and all ministers were asked to highlight five top achievements of their segments in the run up to the first anniversary of Modi led NDA 3.0 which falls on June 9. Ministers also condoled the loss of lives in the Bengaluru stampede.
Mark five years of strategic partnership
India and Australia on Wednesday agreed to expand and diversify their defence industry collaboration, and explore joint projects in defence, science and technology, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said after a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister, in New Delhi.
The two leaders are expected to meet again in Australia later this year for the third edition of the India-Australia 2+2 dialogue, which brings together the foreign and defence ministers of both countries.
The MoD said discussions covered a broad range of issues, including strategic cooperation, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, maritime and hydrographic security and collaboration on emerging technologies. The two Quad partners also reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and Pacific Islands region.
Singh, in the meeting, underlined India’s right to act in self-defence against cross-border terrorism, describing the recent Operation Sindoor as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible”.
PM, Oz Dy PM reaffirm commitment to Indo-Pacific stability
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed their shared vision for a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and underscored the growing depth of bilateral ties, particularly in defence and strategic cooperation amid evolving regional challenges.
Wednesday also marked five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides welcomed the progress made and recognised defence as a key pillar of the growing bilateral relationship.
The Australian High Commission in New Delhi issued a statement highlighting the “extraordinary growth” in ties over the past five years, including the signing of an Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, deepening of defence cooperation and a transformative shift in education ties — with nearly 1.4 lakh Indian students attending Australian universities in 2024.
It also noted progress in the renewable energy partnership under which Australian expertise will support India’s goal of installing 10 million solar rooftops by 2030.
“Our partnership spans science and technology, defence, education, clean energy, agriculture and culture,” the statement said. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green added: “We’ve been drawn together by strategic alignment, economic complementarity and people-to-people connections. We have even bigger ambitions for the next five years.”
Earlier in the day, Marles was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Australia, identifying critical minerals, cybersecurity, technology, space and sports as emerging areas of collaboration.
Speaking at an event at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi to mark five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Jaishankar highlighted the “enormous deepening and diversification” of bilateral cooperation over the past half-decade.
He reiterated India’s support for mechanisms involving Australia, including the Quad, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the United Nations and the India-Australia-France trilateral.
Marles arrived in Delhi on Tuesday night as part of a high-level regional visit to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India from June 2 to 5, according to an official Australian Defence release.
Son succumbs to injuries, spouse undergoing treatment at hospital
An ex-Army man shot his wife and son with his licensed gun in an inebriated state at his home in Buani village on Tuesday. His son was declared dead upon arrival at hospital while his injured wife was admitted to a private hospital in Ludhiana.
Doctors said her condition was stable. The suspect fled the scene with his weapon, following which the Doraha police have registered a case under Sections 103 of BNS, 2023, and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959.
Identified as Baljinder Singh, the suspect had taken voluntary retirement from the Army seven years ago and returned to stay with his mother, wife and two sons.
Sources said he had a troubled marriage with his wife Balwinder Kaur and frequently fought with her over petty issues due to his alcoholism.
Balwinder Kaur’s father, Takwinder Singh, alleged that Baljinder used to abuse his wife and sons, Manpreet Singh (28) and Jagmeet Singh (23), in an intoxicated state.
“He did not only beat them but also terrorise them with his licensed weapon,” he said.
“On June 3 also, he continued his acts, but I never imagined it would end so tragically,” he said.
According to Takwinder, his daughter called him for help as Baljinder was threatening the family in a drunken rage. When he arrived, he tried to pacify the situation but soon left the place. After some time, Baljinder allegedly climbed the stairs where his wife and son Jagmeet were sitting and opened fire at them. Jagmeet suffered gunshot injuries in his chest and stomach while Balwinder in the rear part.
“I dragged them downstairs and rushed them to a hospital in Doraha,” said Takwinder.
“Doctors declared my grandson dead and referred my daughter to SPS Hospital before finally shifting her to Fortis Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment,” he said.
Speaking to this correspondent, the grieving father lamented: “For over 25 years, my daughter and her sons endured his abuse, which ultimately ended in the tragedy. I begged her countless times to leave him and return to her parental home but she refused. Baljinder is entirely responsible for the incident but his mother, Manjit Kaur, played a sinister role in their suffering. Her interference cost my grandson his life and left my daughter battling for survival.”
Doraha SHO Akash Dutt said a case had been registered against Baljinder and raids were on to nab him.
